Some parents are eager for their children to learn to walk as soon as possible, starting the attempts when the baby is 6 to 7 months old. However, this is actually not beneficial for the child’s physical development. Infants’ bones contain a higher amount of collagen, making them soft and easily deformable, while the calcium content is relatively low, resulting in insufficient bone strength. Additionally, their lower limb muscles and the muscle groups supporting the arch of the foot are not fully developed, and walking with weight too early may cause excessive pressure on the spine and lower limbs, leading to physical issues such as hunchback, X-shaped legs, O-shaped legs, and flat feet. These issues not only affect appearance but may also hinder the child’s healthy growth.
Following the natural rhythm of infant development, the old saying “from two rises to four rolls to six sits, seven rolls over, eight crawls, and by nine walks” accurately depicts this process. Generally, babies begin to try standing at 9 to 10 months and can walk independently around the age of one, but the developmental pace varies slightly for each child.
Therefore, training for the baby’s standing and walking should be conducted in a timely manner:
During the 9 to 11 months period, the focus should be on helping the baby stabilize their standing, encouraging them to stand with support for a few minutes several times a day.
By 12 months, enhancing the baby’s leg strength and body coordination through a cycle of standing-sitting-standing movements is advisable.
After 12 months, guide the baby to walk with support, gradually reducing the assistance, using toys to attract the baby to take steps and feel the joy of independent walking.
Around 12 months is the ideal time to teach the baby to walk. The key is patience, following the baby’s growth rhythm and avoiding excessive intervention. When the baby can self-balance and attempts to take steps, parents should only offer encouragement and guidance from a distance, and soon the baby will confidently take independent steps.
Learning to walk is a natural process for babies and should follow their growth patterns without rushing. Proper guidance and timely training will lay a solid foundation for the baby’s steady progress.
